Gas Safety Certificate and Boiler Service
Gas safety certificates and boiler services are essential for responsible property management and homeownership. Both require a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the condition of your property's appliances and to ensure they comply with government safety regulations.
Landlords are legally bound to provide these services and check-ups on the properties they lease. Tenants can also ask for these documents to determine if their home is safe.
Legal Requirements
It is not mandatory for homeowners to obtain an official gas safety certificate however it is recommended. The inspection can put prospective buyers at ease, as it will ensure that the property is safe, and working correctly. This can increase the likelihood of the sale. A gas safety check aids in identifying any potential problems that need addressing, such as leaks or malfunctions, and can save you money on energy costs in the long term.
Landlords must receive a Gas Safety Certificate CP12 (CP12) and undergo an inspection for gas safety each year prior to renting out their properties. This is to ensure that all gas appliances and installations are safe to use and conform with the applicable regulations. Landlords are also required to keep records on all inspections.
A valid CP12 must clearly identify the address of the property, as well as the name and registration number of the engineer who carried out the inspection, as well as a concise description of all gas appliances that were inspected. The Gas Safe Register logo must be displayed in the top-right corner. The current state of the appliance (e.g. suitable for use) must also be mentioned.
Idealy, boilers are enclosed in rooms that are isolated from the rest of the building by non-combustible materials and a minimum of a two-hour fire resistance rating. This is to guard against explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and furnaces that are located near automotive repair shops or public garages must be in dedicated rooms.
If the boiler is found be unsafe during the inspection the gas engineer will notify the landlord of the issue and ask permission to shut off the gas supply. If they care about their tenants' safety and health, landlords should be willing to take the necessary steps.
In the event of a breakdown of the boiler, landlords should ensure that tenants are aware of the expected timeframe for repairs as well as any other options. This isn't just a legal requirement, but promotes good communication and positive landlord-tenant relations.
Regular boiler maintenance can boost efficiency of the boiler and decrease carbon emissions. This is a key element in reducing energy consumption and the impact on the environment. Inspection and maintenance can also reveal any issues that could cause a malfunction of the boiler, which would be a significant issue for the safety and cost.
Benefits
It is your responsibility as a landlord ensure the security of gas appliances in your rental property. The best way to accomplish this is by arranging regular gas safety checks and boiler maintenance. This will ensure your tenants' safety and make the property attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell the property in the future.
Landlords in the UK must have a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 for all their gas appliances and installations. This is a requirement that must be fulfilled every year to ensure the safety of the appliances used by tenants. If you don't possess a CP12, you could face massive fines or risk being evicted from the rental property.
A gas safety inspection requires a thorough examination of the appliances and their components to determine if they're functioning correctly and safely. The engineer will look at the casing and internal components of the appliance and also the flue, pipes, and external casing to find indications of leaks or damage. They will also test the burner gas pressure and ensure there's enough ventilation and verify the safety devices.
The results of the gas safety test will be recorded on a gas certification, which will include details of each appliance and the installation that was examined, as well as whether or not it passed the safety test. The engineer will also note the appliance's status as Not to Current Standards (NCS), Immediately Dangerous (ID) or At Risk (AR). Appliances that fail to pass the inspection will be identified as such on the certificate and will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as is possible.
The benefits of a boiler service are similar to those of a gas safety check, and can save you money by identifying any issues before they become serious. A boiler service can also boost the efficiency of your heating system. This can result in reduced energy bills and carbon emissions. In addition, the regular maintenance will help prolong the life of the boiler and cut down the cost of repairs in the future.
Costs
To be eligible for a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) It is vital for landlords to ensure all their gas appliances are safe and in good working condition. This can help prevent injuries and accidents caused by poorly maintained equipment. A CP12 is not only legally required, but it also helps to add value to properties since potential tenants will be assured the home is safe.
A CP12 is a formal document that outlines the results of a thorough inspection conducted by a certified Gas Safe engineer. This will check the appliances inside a house. It also makes sure that there is adequate ventilation and confirm that failsafes function properly. The cost of a CP12 is dependent on the size and number of appliances that are in the house. The costs are higher in larger cities and towns.

The cost of boiler maintenance will vary based on the amount of appliances that have to be examined. As a rough guide, a standard boiler service usually costs between PS60 to PS120 and will include an inspection, cleaning and minor parts replacement. Landlord boiler protection plans often include an annual boiler maintenance program as part of their package. This helps lower costs.
If you need to replace or repair an appliance, the engineer will test it once the work is complete to ensure that it is safe to use. Any appliance deemed to be 'immediately risky must be fixed as quickly as possible to avoid any further accidents and injury.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be able provide you with an official CP12 certificate for all gas appliances in your home, including the boiler. They can also carry out the full boiler repair and service, keeping your heating system in good shape. Highly recommended Site should be aware that if your boiler's warranty isn't valid, it may be because you don't have an annual boiler service. It is therefore important to find an engineer that is registered with Gas Safe for these essential services.
Getting Started
Both landlords and homeowners are often confused by the boiler service and gas safety certificate procedure. A gas safety certificate is an official document that confirms your appliances are safe for use. A boiler service is a type of maintenance and inspection of your heating system.
Contacting an Gas Safe registered technician is an easy way to obtain both. Always request to verify the engineer's Gas Safe ID before allowing access to your home, as this is a reliable indicator that they hold the appropriate qualifications and accreditations.
When the Gas Safe registered engineer has completed their safety check and has passed their safety check, they will issue you with a certificate of gas safety. This will include the details of all the appliances that have been inspected, along with the date the inspection was completed and the Gas Safe register number of the engineer. Landlords must also keep a copy on file, in case they require proof that their heating system is up to standards when selling or renting their property.
In the course of a boiler maintenance, the engineer will check the pressure and flow rate of gas in your home. This will ensure that the gas supply is constant and that your appliances are functioning properly. They will also examine your vents and flues to make sure they are operating properly. The gas safe engineer will also clean the internal components of your boiler which will improve the efficiency of your boiler and reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future.
If the engineer detects issues that could pose a risk, they will inform you and ask that you resolve the problem. If the issue is severe they may suggest that you stop using your appliances until they have been repaired.
A gas safety certificate and boiler service are crucial to keep your home warm and safe, so it's essential to have both services scheduled every year. If you're a landlord remember that it's against the law to rent out your property without having a Gas Safety Certificate. With BOXT's Home cover packages, you can secure an gas safety certificate and a boiler maintenance service at the same simultaneously.